$42k back-paid to construction workers in SA

18 September 2013

The Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered more than $42,000 in back-pay for residential construction workers in South Australia's land development and site preparation sector.

Fair Work Inspectors audited 56 employers that employ staff covered by the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 throughout the State and found that 39 (70 per cent) were compliant with workplace laws while 17 (30 per cent) had breaches.

Of the 17 small to medium sized businesses in breach, six had only record-keeping and pay slip breaches but 11 were found to have underpaid 47 workers a total of $42,892.

Businesses that had underpaid staff were located across the Adelaide metropolitan area, Gawler and Whyalla.

Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said businesses undertaking site preparation and land development in South Australia were targeted because the sector generates a number of complaints.

"The campaign aimed to ensure employers in this sector are clear on their obligations under the Modern Award and that workers are receiving their full entitlements," Ms James said.

"It was pleasing that all employers with non-compliance issues were receptive to Fair Work Inspectors helping them to voluntarily back-pay staff and rectify other issues, such as pay slip requirements, without the need for further action.

"Inspectors also helped employers put processes in place to ensure they are meeting their obligations in future.

"A key role of the Fair Work Ombudsman is to work with employers to help them understand and meet their obligations, and that's what we did throughout this campaign," Ms James said.

As part of the campaign, the Fair Work Ombudsman made employers aware of the free, tailored resources at www.fairwork.gov.au to help them understand and comply with workplace laws.

Employers and workers seeking assistance should visit the website or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing advice that you can rely on. The information contained on this website is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation you can call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or workplace relations professional. Visitors are warned that this site may inadvertently contain names or pictures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have recently died.